un : dappled peals of the parted seas (voice)

[beitangmoran]

Since Master Kaneki disappeared and Master Marcos found the heart, I feel like it is only fair I disclose the information Master Kaneki was supposed to give out before he unfortunately vanished.

I approached him about the heart again not long after we reached Serthica because I suddenly remembered a conversation I had back in Taravast, and once again, I can only apologize for not making the connection sooner, but things fell into place for me a bit late.

[And also, you and everyone else were busy trying not to get eaten by giant squids and stopping a volcano from erupting, Moran, that happened.]

As I mentioned to Master Kaneki, I have a theory as to who the heart belongs to. It remains a theory, as we only have circumstantial evidence, but I do believe it has merits.

Back in Taravast, after the coup, I had the opportunity to have a quick conversation with Don Bonaccorso. He told us things at the time that I did not quite understand, and we could not ask for more - he was already feeble. Back then, I asked Don Bonaccorso what the real price was that was paid for the peace of Taravast, since clearly the tale of the witches was a fairytale to appease the people.

He told me he made a deal, with a 'Brother White'.

In exchange for the weapons and the submission of Taravast, Don Bonaccorso asked for a guarantee. Something to make sure the city wouldn't be attacked. He asked this 'Brother White' to surrender something precious to him and that would grieve him should he lose it if Taravast were attacked. Something that was buried in the hunting grounds of the palace, where Master Kaneki was later sent by the Merchant to retrieve it without being told what it was.

All this leads me to believe this might the heart of the White Traveler, or the Brother White, or whatever other name he's been called in our presence. If not his, then that of someone close or important to him, but I would lean towards it being his. It is, at the very least, related to him.

Which is why, as Master Marcos suggested, we should try to keep it very safe.

Comments

un: absterge | here w murder

[downswing]

Unless to shatter it is to vanquish the man.

[beitangmoran]

It might very well be, but unless we have a way to find out whether this is the case or not, i would advise against just testing it out.

[downswing]

Preserving the hear won Taravast no advantage.

[beitangmoran]

It bought them whatever fake peace they had until we arrived and blasted it all open, which is what they wanted, morality notwithstanding.

[downswing]

A limited boon.

[beitangmoran]

Limited indeed, but if destroying the heart was what was needed to end this Brother White, do you not think they could not have found out? They had powerful magic users in Taravast. Would not one of them have knows if the heart was not, indeed, a magical artefact?

I wanted to suggest maybe the heart was physically keeping the undead away, but as we know both the Huntress and the Beastmaster and even Anurr himself were able to enter the city without any trouble, so that can't be it either.

[downswing]

Few locals knew of the agreement.

[beitangmoran]

But the Merchant did, apparently. Information gets around. Secrets that several people know about are not really secrets, are they?

Besides, you've seen what the severed tongue can do. I honestly also think it would be safer to simply destroy the two, and I made it clear to Master Kaneki when we talked, but give what we've seen, what assurance do we have it won't make things worse?

[downswing]

What assurance have we of the alternative?

We have reunited dark omens.

[beitangmoran]

Well, if we had destroyed the tongue during the battle with the giant squid, we would at least have data to go on from, but as you know, Master Five decided differently.

And I'm certainly not happy about it. You know I made no mystery of it.

[He has, in fact, quite publicly dragged Five about it, Wangji.]

[downswing]

You speak fairly. We must reclaim the tongue.

[beitangmoran]

Any ideas of how to convince Master Five?

[downswing]

Sword's blade.

[beitangmoran]

Master Lan, he can teleport. What threat would a blade be?

Besides, peaceful cooperation would be best for all.

[downswing]

Would it.

[beitangmoran]

Yes. Infighting benefits only the other side.

[downswing]

Five is his own side.

[beitangmoran]

Well, you're not wrong here, but nominally, he still is on ours, however unpleasant he finds it.

[downswing]

For now.

[beitangmoran]

Indeed. Let's try and not push him away too fast, shall we?

[downswing]

You educate the incorrect party.

[beitangmoran]

I certainly hope I am, Master Lan; I wouldn't want to wake up and learn you have skewered someone in our partyu.

[downswing]

You prefer murder by evening hours.

[beitangmoran]

I prefer no murder at all if the option is available.

[downswing]

If.

[beitangmoran]

I am aware it is not always an option.

[downswing]

He does not make it so.

[beitangmoran]

Let's not lose hope entirely until we have exhausted other options.

[downswing]

I am no child to be spoken to of expectations of patience.

He will be asked.

[beitangmoran]

Maybe try asking without the sword first? For better results.

[downswing]

As intended.

[weifinder]

Was someone suggesting we eat it?

( he's not making light so much as asking what the danger to it is. he isn't surprised at the possibility... but it is curious enough. )

Is it an adult sized heart, or child sized?

[beitangmoran]

Master Lan is inclined to simply smashing it to pieces. Given what severed body parts have proved capable of here, it might not be wise.

I have not seen it myself, so for more details, I would suggest asking Master Marcos.

[weifinder]

Then so I shall. Thank you, Moran.

[beitangmoran]

You are probably more qualified to look at it than most.

[weifinder]

Haaaah, that is likely so. Wrath may have insight as well.

[beitangmoran]

If you find anything special, I'd be much obliged if you could share the information.

[You know, unlike Five a certain someone that he shall not name.]

[weifinder]

Gladly. Not worth remaining silent.

[beitangmoran]

Excellent. I don't think there will be much problem with having you examining it.

[weifinder]

If nothing else, I can observe that it... is what it is, if allowed.

( he's sounding a bit amused now )